Whether you are moving across the city or to the other side of the country, moving is a project that involves a lot of detail work. If you want the process to go smoothly, it pays to make some decisions up front. Here are some tips for moving out that can help you get started:
Rent a Van or Hire Professionals?
Start your preparation by deciding whether you want to rent a van and get some friends to help you move, or hire professional movers. While it’s great to have people who want to help, it’s always good to consider professionals.
With the right mover, the odds of something being damaged or broken are reduced considerably. You’ll also have protection in the event something is damaged. That is not the case however if you rent a van and enlist friends to help you out. Of all the tips for moving out, seriously thinking about hiring professionals is one of the most important.
Creating a Budget
Just like any other task you undertake, it pays to project the cost of your move. With pen and paper at hand, mentally walk through the process of preparing for the event. Some of the tasks you need to manage will cost nothing, like arranging for your mail to be forwarded. Others, such as hiring movers or at least a van, will involve a cost.
Your goal is to come up with figures for each line item that is reasonable and also allows you a little wiggle room for unanticipated expenses. In the best case scenario, you will be able to manage the entire cost without having to empty your bank account.
Securing the Right Materials
Before you can get into the packing, there’s the need to find boxes, crates, tape, and filler material. There is the option of running all over town looking for free boxes and fillers, but that takes a lot of time. In addition, finding boxes that are sturdy enough is harder than you think.
Purchasing all your packing materials from a professional mover is one of the more practical tips for moving out. The quality will be there, and you’ll save time and gasoline.
Getting Help with the Packing
You may be envisioning some late nights packing boxes. Instead of being worn out at work for several days in a row, consider hiring professional packers. A team can come in and pack one or all of the rooms for you. Remember to pack an overnight bag with the essentials you’ll need and set it to the side.
Labeling the Boxes
Label each box, so you know what is inside. Take things one step further and designate which room the box needs to go to when it arrives at the new place. To simplify things, color code each box using stickers for each room. Once you get to the new place, place a sticker of the same color over each door. As the movers bring in the boxes, they’ll know exactly where each one goes.
Designing a Floor Plan
Decide in advance where each of the larger furniture pieces need to go. Do this for everything, from the living room sofa to the bedroom dresser. As the movers bring each piece into the home, it goes to the designated spot. That’ll make setting up your new place much easier.
Moving in the near future? It is never too early to get started. Start the planning by contacting Tender Touch Moving & Storage for a free estimate!
